Mayor Ken Mundy held a special news briefing before Sycamore’s regular City Council meeting Monday night.

Mundy provided a report looking ahead to the 2008-2009 fiscal year, which began Thursday.

In his report, Mundy predicted a tough financial year for the city, with city operating revenues increasing by 4.7 percent in anticipation of a second firehouse in service, a new Jewel-Osco, a new water tower on the Engh Farm, an improved treatment plant in operation and other projects on the way.

Mundy also announced his intention to seek election for only one more term as mayor in April 2009. He proposed to the City Council to leave his salary at the level it has been at since 1996.

An important consideration brought forth at the meeting sought to define what it is to be a “responsible” bidder so contractors understand the prerequisites.

State Rep. Robert Pritchard (R-Hinckley) sent a letter to municipal officials, urging them to consider responsible bidder ordinances. Such an ordinance will be prepared and brought forth at the next regular meeting on May 19.

The only ordinance of the night included the mayor’s appointments of the City Council committee structure.

The council approved Mundy’s recommendations of new five-person committees of finance, public safety and public works, as well as several additional city employee appointments.

Part of the meeting also focused on community recognition.

Recognized first at the meeting was intern Adam Orton, a recent NIU graduate who accepted a promotion to the full-time permanent position of accounting supervisor for the City of Sycamore.

Another intern who was recognized was firefighter Nick Young, who has completed the three-year college intern program and is now a paid-on-call firefighter.

In addition, the Sycamore Women’s Club was recognized for its 100th anniversary and this week was proclaimed Public Employee Appreciation Week in Sycamore.